NCAA BASKETBALL
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First Community Arena
Home of the SIU Edwardsville Cougars
35 Circle Dr
Edwardsville, IL 62026
Opened: December 5, 1984
First Community Arena at Vadalabene Center is a multi-purpose sports and recreation building on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) that features an arena with a seating capacity of just over 4,000. The facility, which opened in 1984, was named in honor of Illinois State Senator Sam M. Vadalabene (1914-1994), who was a long-time and ardent supporter of the university. The facility is home to the SIUE Cougar basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams. In addition to the arena, the facility also houses a swimming pool, classrooms, offices, and several activity areas. The Student Fitness Center (SFC), built in 1993, is immediately adjacent to and an integral part of the venue and contains numerous additional recreational and fitness facilities.

On August 29, 2019, it was announced that the arena in the Vadalabene Center would be named First Community Arena at Vadalabene Center for the next ten years. First Community Credit Union paid a $2.3 million fee to acquire the rights for 10 years through June 30, 2029 with a two-year extension provided, making the potential end date June 30, 2031. First Community, based in Chesterfield, Missouri has more than 40 locations across the Greater St. Louis metro area, including branches in eight Illinois communities.
Last 10 Games
Date Opponents Result
Feb 28, 2026Eastern Illinois @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Feb 26, 2026Western Illinois @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Feb 12, 2026Southeast Missouri State @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Jan 24, 2026Tennessee Tech @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Jan 22, 2026Tennessee State @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Jan 8, 2026Little Rock @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Jan 6, 2026Lindenwood @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Jan 3, 2026Morehead State @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Jan 1, 2026Southern Indiana @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0
Dec 14, 2025Eureka @ SIU Edwardsville 0 - 0